'SLIM' is an interesting character. He has spent time in prison; been part of a group where, no matter what he wanted, he was always on the outside of the accepted groups.

Living on benefits, and the proceeds of his criminal activity – Slim just about kept his head above water. He was no Mr Big in the criminal underworld.

On his last visit to prison, something happened to Slim, he decided that something had to change. Talking with people on the inside who listened to him, he began to trust them and set out his stall to become a different person.

On release Slim went to the Job Centre, and told them that he wanted to set up as a painter and decorator; they thought that this was a good idea, suggested a loan to buy equipment if he went on a course that they would arrange.

Their course started – on the day that Slim was due to sign on. He went on the course, and lost his benefits for two weeks!

Slim struggled, but he kept on the course. His mum helped him out with food, but slowly but surely for 12 of the 13 weeks of the course Slim was without any benefits. So Slim got slimmer.

Part way through his course, and whilst being sanctioned, he was offered a job. One night with his old mates - £2,000. He didn’t take it! Slim had decided for himself that even though he was living on the edge when he was trying to improve his lot; he was better off in the long term if he stayed on the course.

The end of the story? Slim is now working, he has paid off the loan, and is quite happy to talk about his experiences; not just criminal and in prison, not just the behaviour of a system that sanctions you for trying to improve.

Mainly, he is happy to talk about the difference it made to his life when someone, in prison, listened to him and valued him for the person that he was, and not judging him for what he had done.

God makes each of us for a purpose, none of us are spare parts in creation; we owe it to ourselves, to one another and to God, to value everyone we meet without judging. People who live on the edges are also made in the image of God.

Ed Saville Lead Officer, Social Responsibility

The Church of England in Lancashire